Header for implantable pulse generator and method of making same

ABSTRACT

A header for use in implantable pulse generator devices. The header is part of electrical connector assembly having one or more openings designed to receive the terminal pin of an electrical lead wire or electrode. The header is designed to provide and sustain long-term electrical and mechanical lead wire connections between the electrodes of a terminal pin and the implantable pulse generator device.

CROSS-REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/060,097 filed Oct. 22, 2013 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/093,455, filed Apr. 25, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,666,494 granted on Mar. 4, 2014, which is a non-provisional application of Application No. 61/329,173, filed Apr. 29, 2010 and claims priority to that application which is also deemed to be incorporated by reference in its entirety in this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to implantable pulse generators and, more particularly, implantable pulse generator headers and components of such headers. The present invention also relates to methods for manufacturing headers for implantable pulse generators.

II. Discussion of Related Art

In medical technology an implanted pulse generator (IPG) may be employed for a variety of purposes. An IPG is a battery powered device designed to deliver electrical stimulation to the body. An IPG is typically an integral component of a surgically implanted system, which includes the IPG, one or more leads and an external programmer. Such systems are used, for example, to provide deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, heart defibrillation, management of heart rhythms, or treatment of other disorders.

The IPG is typically implanted within a person's body, usually beneath the clavicle. Leads are then routed through the body between the site to be stimulated and the IPG. The leads are then coupled to the header of the IPG to carry signals between the IPG and the treatment site. The IPG can be calibrated using the external programmer by a physician (such as an electrophysiologist, neurologist or cardiologist) or by a nurse or other trained technician to meet the individual patient's needs. The IPG must be replaced periodically upon battery depletion. Battery depletion can occur within three to five years, though battery life is dependent on individual usage. End of battery life can be reasonably predicted by the use of a telemetry between the IPG and the external programming device. This allows the IPG to be replaced prior to battery failure.

One example of an IPG is a heart pacemaker (or artificial heart pacemaker, so as not to be confused with the heart's natural pacemaker), a medical device which uses electrical impulses to regulate the beating of the heart. When the IPG is employed as an artificial heart pacemaker, the IPG is used in combination with a lead comprising a set of electrodes which carry stimulation pulses from the IPG to the heart and electrical signals back from the heart to the IPG which senses and responds to such signals. The primary purpose of a pacemaker is to maintain an adequate heart rate, either because the heart's native pacemaker is not fast enough, or because there is a block in the heart's electrical conduction system. Modern pacemakers are externally programmable and allow the electrophysiologist to select the optimum pacing modes for individual patients. Some IPG devices combine a pacemaker and defibrillator in a single implantable device. Multiple electrodes stimulating differing positions within the heart are often used to improve synchronization of the contractions of the upper and lower and chambers of the heart.

Another type of IPG is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a small battery-powered electrical pulse generator which is implanted in patients who are at risk of sudden death due to ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. The device is programmed to detect cardiac arrhythmia and correct it by delivering a jolt of electricity. In current variants, ICD devices have the ability to treat both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias as well as the ability to perform biventricular pacing in patients with congestive heart failure or bradycardia.

The process of implantation of an ICD is similar to implantation of a pacemaker. Like pacemakers, ICD devices are coupled to a set of leads containing electrode(s) and wire(s) which are passed though the vasculature to desired locations in the heart. For example an electrode can be passed through a vein to the right chambers of the heart, and then lodged in the apex of the right ventricle. Providing defibrillation pulses at this location has been found to be advantageous. As is the case with pacemaker leads, the leads are coupled to the header of the ICD and used to carry both stimulation pulses from the ICD to the heart and electrical signals from the heart to the ICD.

ICDs constantly monitor the rate and rhythm of the heart and can deliver therapies, by way of an electrical shock, when the electrical manifestations of the heart activity exceed one or more preset thresholds. More modern devices can distinguish between ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia (VT) and may try to pace the heart faster than its intrinsic rate in the case of VT, to try to break the tachycardia before it progresses to ventricular fibrillation. This is known as fast-pacing, overdrive pacing or anti-tachycardia pacing (ATP). ATP is only effective if the underlying rhythm is ventricular tachycardia, and is never effective if the rhythm is ventricular fibrillation.

Other IPG devices served as neurostimulators used to treat pain, incontinence, and other neurologic and muscular conditions. Such IPG devices have a header used to couple the IPG to leads containing a plurality of wires and electrodes which deliver stimulating pulses from the IPG to nerves and muscles to provide beneficial therapies. The electrodes and wires of the leads may also be used to carry electrical signals back to the IPG.

The various types of IPG devices referenced above typically have a header to which the leads are attached. The header typically includes one or more bores each configured to receive a terminal pin of a lead. The terminal pin will typically contain a plurality of electrodes spaced along its length. Likewise, the bore will typically have a matching set of electrical contacts along its length which are spaced to form electrical connections with the electrodes of the lead pin. The electrical connections should be isolated from each other to prevent a short or unintended propagation of signals along a particular channel. The number and spacing or the electrodes and contacts may vary, but standards have emerged related to such numbers and such spacing for various types of stimulation systems.

Previous header designs and manufacturing techniques have resulted in difficulty in maintaining component alignment, spacing, and isolation. Likewise, previous header designs and manufacturing techniques made it difficult, if not impossible, to adequately test the assembly before it was fully complete. If testing demonstrates an issue exists with the header after manufacturing is complete, the entire header needs to be discarded and typically none of the components can be salvaged. Thus, to date there has been a real need in the art for a custom solution allowing for interim testing of the electrical components of a bore of a header and the assembly thereof before overmolding of the components is performed to complete the manufacture of the header. More specifically, there is a real need for product design and manufacturing methods which allow conformance to be assessed prior to final part generation, increasing assurance the product meets performance requirements while at the same time decreasing the risk of needing to scrap a more expensive finished product.

The inventors also believe previous devices and manufacturing methods create difficulty in maintaining the desired balance between mechanical and electrical properties. Examples of deficiencies include: (1) a strong mechanical insertion force resulting in excessive pressure exerted on the inner seal and electrical components of the bore; (2) excessive electrical contact resulting in shorts or faults which can draw off potential battery power; (3) insufficient retention forces resulting in an electrode of the bore losing position or falling out of place; and (4) manufacturing tolerances which create challenges related to meeting the electrical and mechanical conformance requirements. The tolerances of the electrode lead wires present further challenges with respect to the header's ability to achieve the desired electrical and mechanical responses. There exists a real and substantial need to provide efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods and designs which meet these challenges.

Prior art header designs often comprise various thin wire connections. Notable are those composed a of spring-type connector in the form of a female leaf spring, canted coil spring or wire “slide by” connector. The inventors believe these devices offer an adequate electrical connection, but are fragile in design. Such connectors can be damaged or broken easily upon insertion of lead pins into the bore. In addition, current designs are expensive to manufacture requiring multiple component pieces and challenging assembly steps driving up cost.

Prior art header designs also provide seals which are intended to isolate the electrical channels, but are subject to failure either during manufacture or as a result of the insertion or removal of lead pins. These seals can also result in alignment problems which arise during overmolding, typically one of the last steps in the manufacturing process. If during overmolding the molding pressures or temperatures deform the seals in an unintended manner, improper alignment of the components and improper sealing can occur. To avoid such problems, thermoset rather than thermoplastic materials requiring lower molding pressure, but longer molding cycle times have often been employed. While the resulting header will work, the header is expensive and time consuming to manufacture. Also, whatever materials and molding techniques are used, great care must be taken to ensure proper alignment and isolation increasing the level of skill and care required to manufacture the header.

For the reasons set forth above, assembly of IPG devices is currently very labor-intensive and time-consuming, and requires skilled craftsmanship on the part of each person performing the assembly steps. In prior assembly methods, each individual component of the bore of the header is individually placed and aligned, either by press fitting and/or fixturing, in a cavity block which is either pre-molded or yet to be cast. Problems associated with these techniques include: electrical leakage between components, electrical failures and excessive force required for inserting and withdrawing lead pins. Such manufacturing techniques result in a high scrap rate and a high scrap cost, since failures are detected only after completion of whole device assembly. Furthermore the final assembly is confined to a specific outer casting design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Numerous advantages are obtained when manufacturing a header for an implantable pulse generator by:

-   -   a. Forming a plurality of spring contact rings, each spring         contact ring having a bore; a plurality of ring seals, each ring         seal having a bore; a sleeve having a wall surrounding a bore;         and a strain relief having a bore;     -   b. Forming a subassembly by (a) inserting at least some of the         plurality of spring contact rings and at least some of the         plurality of ring seals into the bore of the sleeve such that         each spring contact ring is separated from any adjacent spring         contact ring by a ring seal, and (b) inserting at least a         portion of the strain relief into the bore of the sleeve to         secure the spring contact rings and ring seals in a position in         which adjacent spring contact rings and ring seals are in         contact with each other and the bores through the strain relief         and each of the spring contact rings and rings seals of the         subassembly are aligned with each other;     -   c. Inserting a molding pin through the bores of the strain         relief and each of the spring contact rings and ring seals of         the subassembly;     -   d. Overmolding the subassembly to lock the spring contact rings,         ring seals and strain relief of the subassembly in position; and     -   e. Removing the molding pin.

The method manufacture outlined above makes it possible to test the subassembly before performing the overmolding step. Also, the step of overmolding may be performed at a pressure or annealing temperature which partially collapses the wall of the sleeve to lock the spring contact rings, ring seals and strain relief of the subassembly in position with respect to each other and electrically isolate each of the spring contact rings of the subassembly from each other through the cooperation of the wall of the sleeve and the ring seals of the subassembly.

Further, the sleeve can be constructed so as to include a plurality of windows such that there is a window adjacent to each of the spring contact rings of the subassembly. A wire can be passed through a window and electrically coupling to the spring contact ring adjacent to the window to form an electrically conductive path through the sleeve. During the overmolding step, some of the material used to perform the overmolding step enters the windows to assist in locking at least one of the spring contact rings in position. The wire can be installed either before or after the overmolding step. If the wire is installed after the overmolding step, it may be advantageous to prevent the overmold material from occluding the window.

Likewise, either the strain relief or the sleeve can include a projection with the other of the stain relief or sleeve including a channel. The channel should have a straight section and a camming section angled from the straight section. The strain relief can thereby be temporarily locked to the sleeve by moving the strain relief into the bore of the sleeve until the projection reaches the camming section, and then twisting the strain relief relative to the sleeve to cause the projection to enter the camming section. So that the same sleeve can be used with different combinations of spring contact rings and ring seals, the camming section may angled from the straight section at an angle other than 90 degrees. Thus, when the sleeve and strain relief are rotated relative to each other, the strain relief is drawn tight against the collection of spring contact rings and ring seals within the sleeve. During the overmolding step, some of the material used to perform the overmolding step enters the channel to assist in locking at least the strain relief in position.

Problems encountered in the prior art can also be alleviated by providing unique and novel ring seals. The ring seals may be constructed to include a deformable outer wall, a deformable inner wall defining a bore through the ring seal, a pair of side walls and a rigid core having exposed portions along each of the sidewalls. The exposed portions of the rigid core act as stops for maintaining a predefined minimum distance between two of the adjacent spring contact rings. Providing such a core offers additional advantages in that the rigid core also prevents the inner diameter of the ring seal from deforming during the overmolding step even as the outer diameter of the sealing ring deforms. The inner core may, for example, be made of PEEK and the other portions of the ring seal of silicone.

Various problems are also resolved by providing unique and novel spring contact rings which include a ring and a spring having spiral, radial cut spring fingers. This arrangement provides a spring with a longer beam deflection than those typically used while retaining a compact overall shape. Such a spring also ensures good contact between the spring and an electrode of a lead pin. The design allows the spring to be more robust reducing the risk that the spring will break during normal use, and particularly during insertion or retraction of a lead pin. During the overmolding step, the molding pin engages a molding pin. The spring contact ring adequately resists molding pressures typically encountered.

The sleeve may be made of any suitable material. Examples include, but are not limited to PEEK, polyurethane and polysulfone. The thickness of the wall of the sleeve will depend on the material from which the sleeve is constructed and the molding pressure used during overmolding. The material and molding pressure should be selected to permit the sleeve to deform to firmly lock the components of the subassembly in place. The sleeve may also be designed to include structures on its outer surface for supporting at least one other component of the header. Such other component could be an RF antenna, another subassembly, or any other desired component to be included in the header.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a spring contact ring;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the spring contact ring of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the components of the spring contact ring of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the spring contact ring of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a ring seal;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the core of the ring seal of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an end view of the ring seal of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ring seal taken through line 8-8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the ring seal taken through line 9-9 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a strain relief;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the strain relief of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an end view of the strain relief of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a cross-section of the strain relief through line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tip block;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the tip block of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the tip block through line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a sleeve;

FIG. 18 is an end view of the sleeve of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the sleeve of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve through line 20-20 in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of a subassembly;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of FIG. 17 showing a subassembly comprising various components coupled to the sleeve;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a header;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a first alternative sleeve with spring contact rings held by the sleeve;

FIG. 25 is a side view of the sleeve and spring contact rings of FIG. 24 with internal structures shown in dashed lines;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view through line A-A in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a second alternative sleeve;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a spring contact ring designed to fit within the sleeve of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing an assembly comprising the spring contact ring of FIG. 28 fitted within the sleeve of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is an end view of the assembly shown in FIG. 29;

FIG. 31 is a top view of an assembly comprising a third alternative sleeve and a spring contact ring;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is an end view of the assembly of FIG. 31; and

FIG. 34 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 31 with the internal structures shown in dashed lines.

FIG. 35 shows two of the assemblies shown in FIG. 31 attached together.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the present teachings. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Skilled artisans will recognize many useful alternatives to the teachings and the examples provided herein falling within the scope of the invention exist and may be employed without deviating from the invention.

Embodiments of the present invention include electrical contacts. Various types of electrical contacts may be used. By way of example, such electrical contacts may be in the form of a spring contact ring composed of flanged internal fingers shaped and cut in a matter to sustain long term electrical and mechanical lead wire connections when used in implantable pulse generator (IPG) devices. The spring contact ring is designed to sustain contact between the pulse generator and an electrode (lead wire) of a lead pin through which electrical impulses are transmitted to or from the body tissue. The spring contact ring maintains mechanical force and alignment requirements with an electrode of a lead pin when the lead pin is inserted and retained to the pulse generator header in order to sustain the desired electrical connection. The spring contact ring should not be susceptible to damage by insertion or removal of the lead pin.

Typically, a header made in accordance with the present invention will have a number of electrical connectors aligned in a row which separately engage electrodes on the lead pin. It is therefore important to physically and electrically isolate the electrical connectors from each other to prevent current leakage or propagation of signals along unintended electrical paths. Therefore, the electrical connectors should be separated by a seal member. Maintaining proper spacing and alignment between the electrical connectors is also important since each electrical connector of the lead is intended to be coupled to a separate electrode of the lead pin. More specifically, the spacing of the electrical connectors of the header must correspond to the spacing of the electrodes of the lead pin.

Embodiments of the present invention also include a sleeve designed to contain various connector and seal components. This assembly is unique in the way it incorporates a sleeve to maintain component alignment throughout the manufacturing process. This can allow for a less expensive method of manufacturing requiring less assembly time (labor) and less material usage. In addition the component sleeve can be multi-functional, as it can be employed in various overmolded header designs, without the setup and redesigns required by existing methods. The manufacturing method is module based. Elements of the manufacturing method typically include: (1) manufacturing individual components, e.g., connectors, seals, and sleeves; (2) creating a subassembly from such components, electrical connectors and seals; (3) testing the subassembly to ensure conformance to manufacturing standards; and (4) over molding the subassembly.

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a sleeve which cooperates with various components to keep the components in alignment. The inventors have found it more efficient to manufacture using the sleeve in combination with other components to create a subassembly which can be tested prior to overmolding.

FIGS. 1-4 show a spring contact ring 10 of a type which may be employed when practicing the present invention. The spring contact ring 10 includes an outer housing 12. The outer housing 12 comprises an outer wall 14 and an inner wall 16 surrounding an aperture or bore 18. The outer wall 14 includes a recessed channel 20. The inner wall 16 includes a flange 22 and a stop surface 23.

The spring contact ring 10 also includes a spring 24. Spring 24 includes a base 26. Extending from the base 26 is a plurality of spring fingers 28. Each spring finger 28 includes a flange portion 30 terminating in an electrical contact zone 32. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the fingers 28 are all cut or otherwise formed in a radial fashion to provide a longer beam deflection and, at the same time, a compact overall shape. Note how FIGS. 1-4 and 22 show the fingers extend both toward and about the longitudinal axis of the bore 18 like a vortex.

When the spring contact ring 10 is assembled, the base 26 of the spring 24 engages the flange 22 and is either directly welded to the flange 22 or sandwiched between the flange 22 and a cap 34 which is secured to the inner wall 16 of the housing 12 to secure the spring 24 in place. Neither the flange portion 30 nor the electrical contact zone 32 of fingers 28 are permanently secured to any structure other than the base 26 of the spring 24 and the fingers 28 are permitted to flex within the bore 18. When either a molding pin (not shown) or a lead pin (not shown) is inserted through bore 18 of the spring contact ring 10, the outward movement of the fingers 28 is constrained by the stop surface 23 of the inner wall 16 of the outer housing 12. The fingers 28 may be biased toward the longitudinal axis of the bore 18. In one alternative arrangement, the electrical contact zone 32 of each finger 28 is pinched between a lead pin (or molding pin) and the stop surface 23 when such a pin is inserted through the bore 18 to provide solid physical contact between the pin and the electrical contact zone 32. In another alternative arrangement, the pin contacts the inner wall of the housing adjacent the stop surface, but does not cause the spring fingers to contact the stop surface. This is beneficial during overmolding because the mold pin supports the ring sufficiently to resist molding pressure without the risk of damaging the spring fingers. In any case, the stop surface prevents over-bending of the spring fingers 28 during insertion of a lead pin or molding pin.

Electrical connector ring 10 is inexpensive to make by requiring less manufacturing steps as the process uses more adaptable CNC machining or metal injection molding (MIM) methods requiring less setup, fewer parts and minimal assembly, lowering associated manufacturing costs. Materials of construction which may be used to make spring contact ring 10 include, but are not limited to, alloys of stainless steel 316L, titanium, MP35N, or nitinol.

Spring contact rings, such as spring contact ring 10, provide a stronger structure than the coil or wire springs which may also be employed. As such, spring contact ring 10 is less likely to break or crack.

FIGS. 5-9 illustrate a ring seal 40 having an advantageous construction. The ring seal 40 has a core 42. The core 42 includes a ring-shaped base structure 44. Extending outwardly from the base structure 44 is a plurality of stops 46. The core 42 is preferably made of a first material which is stiff, durable and a non-conductive plastic such as PEEK. The core 42 is overmolded with a second material which is softer and resilient such as silicone rubber. As shown, the ring seal 40 has an inner portion 48 and an outer portion 50 each made of the second material. The inner portion 48 surrounds an aperture or bore 52 and has a pair of sealing lobes 54 and 56 extending into the bore 52. The ring seal 40 also has a first side wall 58 and a second side wall 60. The side walls 58 and 60 are also made of the second material, but the ends of the stops 46 are left exposed when the core 42 is overmolded with the second material.

The ring seal 40 offers a number of advantages. The stops 46 can be used to register and maintain proper spacing between adjacent components. The lobes 54 and 56 engage a lead pin (or molding pin) inserted into the bore 52 to form a suitable seal. The core generally inhibits compressive forces which may deform on the outer portion 50 from being transferred to and deforming to an unacceptable degree the inner portion 48. Likewise, the core inhibits forces causing deformation of the inner portion 48 from deforming the outer portion 50 to any unacceptable degree.

FIGS. 10-13 show a strain relief. The strain relief 60 comprises a cylindrical wall 62 surrounding a central passage or bore 63. Extending outwardly from the cylindrical wall 62 is a pair of locking projections 64. The central passage is shown as including shoulder 66 at one end and a hexagonal interior surface 68 at the other. Alternative shapes may be used in lieu of a hexagonal shape without deviating from the invention. The two ends 70 and 72 are open to the central passage or bore 63.

FIGS. 14-16 show a set screw block 80. The set screw block 80 (also referred to as a tip block) has an outer wall 82 with a pair of alignment channels 83 and 84. The interior of the set screw block 80 includes a pin-receiving channel or bore 86 extending through the block 80 in a direction generally perpendicular to the alignment channels 83 and 84. The set screw block 80 also includes a threaded set screw channel 88 which extends generally perpendicularly from channel 86 and receives a set screw (not shown) which is used to lock in place a pin (not shown) inserted into the pin-receiving channel. While a set screw block 80 has been shown and described, other locking mechanism arrangements are known which may alternatively be employed to lock the pin in place.

FIGS. 17-20 show an electrical connector sleeve 90. The electrical connector sleeve 90 comprises a generally cylindrical outer wall 92 surrounding a central bore 94. One end 96 of the sleeve 90 includes a shoulder 98 and a pair of fingers 100 and 102. Spaced along the length of the cylindrical outer wall 92 is a plurality of windows. Three such windows 104, 106 and 108 are shown. These windows extend through the outer wall 92. Extending inwardly from end 110 of the outer wall 92 is a pair of strain relief locking channels 112 and 114. The strain relief locking channels 112 and 114 each include a straight section 116 extending inwardly from end 110 and a camming section 118 projecting at an angle from the straight section 116. As best shown in FIG. 20, this angle can be greater than 90° for reasons explained below.

To provide an electrical path between each individual spring contact ring 10 eventually located within the sleeve and the exterior of the sleeve 90, one end of an electrical conductor (not shown) may be passed through one of the windows 104, 106 or 108 adjacent to the spring contact ring 10 and coupled to the spring contact ring 10. The recess channel 20 of the spring contact ring 10 may be employed to create a coupling between the end of the electrical conductor and the spring contact ring 10.

Sleeve 90 can be composed of various rigid materials, encompassing: (1) either amorphous or semi-crystalline polymers within the categories defined as engineering, high performance or ultra polymers, including poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK), polysulfone, Poly Di-methyl Siloxane (PDMS), various epoxy materials, polyurethane, polyphenylene, polyimides, liquid crystal, polycarbonate, polyamide, ABS, COC, or alloys thereof; (2) ceramics, or; (3) metallic materials such as of SS 316L, MP35N and titanium. Certain advantages are achieved by forming the sleeve 90 of a material such as PEEK, polyurethane or polysulfone of a suitable thickness which will allow the sleeve to compress when exposed to overmolding pressures or annealing temperatures to lock components within the sleeve 90 in place.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate how a subassembly 122 can be created using a sleeve 90, three spring contact rings 10, four ring seals 40, a set screw block 80, and a strain relief 60. The set screw block 80 is coupled to the sleeve 90 by inserting the fingers 100 and 102 of the sleeve 90 into the alignment channels 83 and 84 of the set screw block 80. Other mechanisms for coupling the set screw block 80 to the sleeve 90 may be employed without deviating from the invention. The set screw block 80 is then slid along the fingers 100 and 102 until the pin-receiving channel 86 of the set screw block 80 is aligned with the bore 94 of the sleeve 90. Friction between the fingers 100 and 102 and the alignment channels 83 and 84 is typically sufficient to temporarily retain the set screw block 80 in place as manufacturing of the subassembly continues. The set screw block 80 is permanently held in place by the overmold material which ultimately encapsulates the subassembly 122.

Next, ring seals 40 and spring contact rings 10 are inserted in alternating fashion into the bore 94 of the sleeve 90. Finally, a strain relief 60 is inserted and locked in place. Locking of the strain relief 60 to the sleeve 90 is achieved by inserting the end 70 of the strain relief into the bore 94 of the sleeve 90 through end 110, aligning the projections 64 of the strain relief 60 with the straight sections 116 of the locking channels 112 and 114 of the sleeve 90, continuing to advance the strain relief 60 into the bore 94 until the projections 64 reach the camming sections 118 of the locking channels 112 and 114 and then turning the strain relief 60 relative to the sleeve 90 so that the projections 64 enter the camming sections 118. As the sleeve and strain relief are turned relative to each other, cooperation between the projections and walls of the camming section 118 cause the strain relief to be locked in place and, because of the angle of the camming sections, drawn toward the arrangement of seals and spring contact rings. As shown in FIG. 22, a ring seal 40 resides between the set screw block 80 and the adjacent spring contact ring 10. Likewise, a ring seal 40 resides between the strain relief 60 and the adjacent spring contact ring 10. Alternatively, a seal could be built into either the set screw block 80 or the strain relief 60.

Once the subassembly shown in FIGS. 21-22 is complete, various tests may be performed to ensure the quality of the subassembly. If a part is not performing to specifications at this stage, it is still possible to disassemble the subassembly, replace any defective parts or otherwise make repairs.

After such testing is completed and the results analyzed, a molding pin (not shown) can be inserted through the pin-receiving channel of the subassembly formed by alignment of the bores of the strain relief 60, seals 40, spring contact rings 10 and set screw block 80. The molding pin will prevent the overmold material from entering the pin receiving channel during the overmolding process. Known techniques for overmolding can then be employed to complete the header.

One advantage of overmolding is that it serves to lock in position the various components of the subassembly 122. This is particularly true if the overmolding is performed by injection molding at a pressure which will compress or collapse the sleeve 90 without crushing the sleeve 90. The collapsed sleeve 90 will also cooperate with the ring seals 40 to electrically isolate the spring contact rings 10 from each other and from the strain relief 60 and the set screw block 80. As the wall of the sleeve 90 collapses, the outer walls of the sealing rings 40 deform while the inner walls of the sealing rings substantially maintain their shape.

Pressures which will suitably compress or collapse the sleeve 90 without crushing the sleeve 90 will depend on the material from which the sleeve 90 is made and the thickness of the sleeve 90. By way of example and without limitation, a sleeve 90 made of PEEK having a thickness of 0.035-0.045 inches will not compress adequately if the mold pressure is below about 16000 pounds per square inch (psi) and will crush if the mold pressure is above about 25000 psi. Therefore, if sleeve 90 is made of PEEK and has a thickness of 0.035-0.045 inches, the molding pressure should be in the range of about 16000 psi to about 25000 psi. If, however, the sleeve 90 has the same thickness, but is made of 40% glass-filled PEEK, a molding pressure in excess of 25000 psi will be required to adequately compress the sleeve to adequately lock the components of the subassembly 122 in place. After the overmolding step is completed, the header 120 is removed from the mold and the molding pin is removed exposing the bore in which a lead terminal pin may be inserted to form electrical connections between the wires of the lead and the spring contact rings 10 of the header 120.

Other techniques may also be used to lock the components of the subassembly in place. For example, the header casing 124 and the subassembly 122 may be exposed to an annealing temperature which partially collapses the wall of the sleeve 90 to lock the spring contact rings 10, ring seals 40, strain relief 60 and the set screw block 80 in place, e.g., in a position in which (a) adjacent spring contact rings 10 and ring seals 40 are in contact with each other and the bores through the strain relief 60, each of the spring contact rings 10 and ring seals 40, and the set screw block 80 are aligned with each other; and (b) the wall of the sleeve 90 and ring seals 40 cooperate to electrically isolate each of the spring contact rings 10 from each other and the spring contact rings 10 from the set screw block 80 and the strain relief 60. Alternatively, only the subassembly 122 might be subjected to the annealing temperature. This could be done before overmolding or before inserting the subassembly into a bore of a preformed header casing 124. When the header casing 124 is formed by overmolding the subassembly 122, the overmold material will mechanically secure the header casing 124 to the subassembly 122. When the header casing 124 is preformed with a bore 126, some means (e.g., a suitable adhesive or mechanical structure) should be employed to lock the subassembly 122 in place within the bore 126 of the header casing 124.

FIG. 23 shows a completed header 120. If the overmold material 124 is a clear material, the sleeve of the subassembly 122 will be visible as shown in FIG. 23. During overmolding, the pin allows the entrance to the pin-receiving channel 126 to remain open.

Strain relief 60 can be composed of various rigid materials, encompassing: (1) either amorphous or semi-crystalline polymers within the categories defined as engineering, high performance or ultra polymers, including poly-ether-ether-ketone, polysulfone, polyurethane, polyphenylene, polyimides, liquid crystal, polycarbonate, polyamide, ABS, COC, or alloys thereof; (2) ceramics and its alloys (3) metallic alloys of SS 316L, MP35N and titanium; however, the present invention is not limited to these materials.

Set screw block 80 can be made using more adaptable CNC machining or metal injection molding (MIM) methods, requiring less setup, fewer parts and minimal assembly, lowering associated manufacturing costs. Materials of construction used within the art of making block 80 are alloys of stainless steel 316L, titanium and MP35N.

Connector seals 40 can be made using more adaptable injection molding methods, requiring less setup, fewer parts and minimal assembly, lowering associated manufacturing costs. Materials of construction used within the art of making connector seal 40 are liquid silicone used to overmold a stiff substrate made of a non-conductive material such as PEEK. Examples of other materials suitable for use include: (1) either amorphous or semi-crystalline polymers within the categories defined as engineering, high performance or ultra polymers, including poly-ether-ether-ketone, polysulfone, polyurethane, polyphenylene, polyimides, liquid crystal, polycarbonate, polyamide, ABS, COC, or alloys thereof; (2) ceramics and its alloys; (3) metallic alloy of SS 316L, MP35N and titanium.

FIGS. 24-26 show an alternative arrangement in which the seals and sleeve are integrally formed as a single piece. More specifically, these drawings show the sleeve's cylindrical outer wall 200 having a first end 201 and a second end 202. Integrally formed with the outer wall are seals 203, 205, 207, 209 and 211. The seals 203, 205, 207, 209, and 211 have aligned bores 204, 206, 208, 210 and 212 extending through the seals. Each of these bores has two reduced diameter sections which separate three increased diameter sections. The reduced diameter sections are adapted to seal against the surface of a lead pin inserted into the bore. The expanded diameter sections make it easier to insert such a lead pin.

The bores 204, 206, 208, 210 and 212 collectively form and provide a pin-receiving channel 214. Each pair of adjacent seals (e.g., 203 and 205 or 205 and 207) cooperate with the cylindrical outer wall 200 to form a space between the pair of adjacent seals. Windows 216, 218, 220 and 222 extend from such spaces through the outer wall 200. FIGS. 24-26 show components 215, 217, 219 and 221 residing in these spaces.

The components 215, 217, 219 and 221 shown are each electrical contacts. These electrical contacts may be in the form of the spring contact rings 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4 or may be in the form of the alternative spring contact ring shown in FIG. 28. Other electrical contacts may be employed as well without deviating from the invention. Alternatively, one of these components may be a strain relief 60 as shown in FIGS. 10-13 or a connector block such as the set screw block 80 shown in FIGS. 14-16. Other components may also be placed in the spaces as appropriate so long as the components have a bore. The spaces (and the surfaces defining the spaces) of the embodiment of FIGS. 24-26 are each adapted to receive such a component and hold the bore of the component in alignment with the pin-receiving channel 214 such that the pin of a pacing, neuromodulation or other medical lead may be inserted into the channel. The seals and outer wall should be made of a material which assists in electrically isolating the component in each space from the components in the other spaces. The seals should be dimensioned such that the spaces are a predetermined distance apart and such that each space is a predetermined distance from the ends 201 and 202 of the sleeve.

One skilled in the art should appreciate from the foregoing that the sizes of the seals 203, 205, 207, 209, and 211 may be altered to place the spaces (and hold the components) at predetermined locations between the first end 201 and second end 202 of the sleeve. In this way, the components are indexed to the structures of a lead pin to be inserted in the channel. Such indexing ensures appropriate mechanical and electrical connections are made between the components shown and the lead pin (not shown) inserted into the channel 214. For example, if the components 215, 217, 219 and 221 are each electrical contacts, it is important that they be spaced for proper individual engagement with four separate electrodes on the lead pin to be inserted into the channel 214.

The windows 216, 218, 220 and 222 are provided to perform at least two functions. First, the windows provide access openings through which the components may be inserted into the spaces. Second, the windows provide a path for an electrically conductive element (not shown) to pass through the outer wall 200. Electrical signals are passed between the pulse generator and the lead inserted into the channel 214 via these electrically conductive elements and the components 215, 217, 219 and 221 installed in the spaces of the sleeve.

While the sleeve shown in FIGS. 24-26 has four spaces accommodating four electrical contacts, a sleeve with a different number of spaces accommodating a different number of components may be employed to enable a medical lead with a greater or a fewer number of electrodes to be coupled to the pulse generator. Multiple sleeves of the type shown in FIGS. 24-26 may also be used to provide one or more pin-receiving channels for a pulse generator. For example, when a longer (extended) pin-receiving channel is required, two sleeves of the type shown in FIGS. 24-26 may be aligned end to end. Further, a plurality of sleeves may be employed to provide multiple pin-receiving channels, with each channel having the desired number of spaces and the desired components in those spaces. Overmolding of the sleeves, after insertion of the components, attachment of any necessary electrical conductors to the components and electrical testing, will complete the formation of the header. Overmolding will also serve to lock the sleeve(s) into position, lock the components into the spaces, and seal the windows 216, 218, 220, and 222 to prevent ingress of body fluids when the device is later implanted into the body of a living being.

FIGS. 27-30 illustrate an alternative arrangement in which the sleeve 230 is designed to receive and hold a single component such as a single spring contact ring 232. More specifically, FIG. 27 shows the sleeve 230. FIG. 28 shows a spring contact ring 232 comprising an outer housing 234 and a spring 236, each surrounding an open pathway 238. FIGS. 29 and 30 show the spring contact ring 232 coupled to the sleeve 230.

As shown in FIG. 27, the sleeve 230 comprises an outer wall 240, a first end wall or seal 242, a second end wall or seal 244, and a window 246. There is a space between the seals 242 and 244. The window 246 provides access to that space. The outer and end walls 240, 242 and 244 may be provided with a flat bottom for resting the sleeve 230 on a flat surface window side up. Seal 242 has an opening 248 and seal 244 has an opening 250. The seal openings 248 and 250 are aligned with each other.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the window 246 and space are sized to receive the spring contact ring 232. The wall 240 and seals 242 and 244 cooperate to retain and hold the spring contact ring 232 within the space of sleeve 230 between the two seals 242 and 244. When the spring contact ring 232 is properly positioned within the space, the seal openings 248 and 250 are aligned with the pathway 238 to form a pin-receiving channel. As shown in FIG. 30, the spring 236 extends into the pathway at three points so that the spring 236 can engage and make both mechanical and electrical contact with an electrode on a lead pin (not shown) inserted through the openings 248 and 250 and pathway 238. The diameter of the seal openings 248 and 250 are adapted so that the surfaces defining those openings will seal against such a lead pin. The assembly of FIGS. 27-30 may be overmolded and used as a separate contact of a header. Alternatively, a series of assemblies of the type shown in FIG. 29 may be aligned in a row to form a multi-contact, extended pin-receiving channel in a header for use with a lead pin having multiple electrodes spaced along its length.

FIGS. 31-34 show an assembly similar to the assembly shown in FIGS. 27-30. Again, the assembly includes a sleeve 230 and an electrical spring contact ring 232. The sleeve 230 again comprises an outer wall 240, a first end wall or seal 242 and a second end wall or seal 244. The seals 242 and 244 of the assembly of FIGS. 31-34 are thicker in the direction of the longitudinal axis than the seals shown in FIGS. 27-30. A window 246 leads to a space which separates the two seals 242 and 244. The window receives (and the space holds) the spring contact ring 232. As in the embodiment of FIGS. 27-30, the seals of the embodiment of FIGS. 31-34 have openings 248 and 250 intended to be aligned with a central pathway of the spring contact ring 232 to form a pin-receiving channel such that a lead pin may be inserted through these openings and pathway to bring an electrode of the lead pin into electrical contact with the spring of the spring contact ring 232. The window 246 not only provides a path for inserting the spring contact ring 232 into the space, but also provides a path for an electrical conductor to extend from the contact ring 232 through the outer wall of the sleeve 230. The electrical conductor (not shown) is used to electrically couple to the spring contact ring 232 to the circuitry of the pulse generator of which the header, formed using the assembly of FIGS. 31-34, is a part.

While the assembly of FIGS. 31 through 34 may be used separately, more commonly a plurality of such assemblies will be used together to form a multi-contact extended lead pin channel in a header as illustrated in FIG. 35. While two such assemblies are shown in FIG. 35, the number of such assemblies used will depend on the number of electrodes of the lead pin to be inserted in the channel. Likewise, the thickness of the seals 242 and 244 will dictate the spacing of the spring contact rings along the length of the extended lead pin channel. The thickness of the seals 242 and 244 may therefore be varied to adapt the spacing of the spring contact rings 232 to the spacing of electrodes along the length of the lead pin to be inserted into the channel.

FIGS. 31-35 show several other features worthy of note. As best shown in FIGS. 31, 32, 34, and 35, seal 242 has two outwardly extending members 260 and 262. Relatedly, and as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, seal 244 has a pair of recesses 264 and 266. When, as shown in FIG. 35, a plurality of assemblies are employed to provide multiple electrical connections with a lead pin, the projections 260 and 262 of a first assembly are mated with the recesses 264 and 266 of a second assembly to couple the two assemblies together and properly align the openings 248, 250 of the assemblies so joined together.

Many such assemblies may be attached together to form a channel to receive a lead pin. The number of assemblies coupled together will depend on the number of electrical paths to be created between the pulse generator and the lead pin to be inserted into the channel. While the projecting members 260 and 262 and recesses 264 and 266 shown have a round cross section, other shapes may be employed without deviating from the invention. Also, a different number of projecting members and recesses may be employed and these may be arranged in various ways to ensure the assemblies are joined together in a desired orientation.

Various headers may be created using the sleeves described above. The headers may have one or a plurality of pin-receiving channels. Further, each pin-receiving channel may provide a single electrical connection between the lead and pulse generator or a plurality of electrical connections. Each pin-receiving channel may be formed using a single sleeve having one or a plurality of spaces for components. Alternatively, several sleeves may be arranged end-to-end to provide an extended pin-receiving channel with the desired components and number of electrical connections. The sleeves may be joined together using projections and recesses of the type shown in FIGS. 31-35. Alternatively, a mold or tool may be provided which holds several sleeves together end-to-end during an overmolding operation. Overmolding serves to permanently fix the sleeves in this position to complete the manufacturing process. The overmolding step also serves to seal the window(s) of the sleeve(s) against the ingress of body fluids or the like which could otherwise cause a short between the electrical components in the different spaces of the sleeve.

Thus, various embodiments of an electrical connector sleeve are disclosed. One skilled in the art will appreciate the present teachings can be practiced with embodiments other than those disclosed. The disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and the present teachings are limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. For use in construction of a header for an implantable pulse generator, a sleeve comprising: a. an outer wall having a first end and a second end; b. a plurality of seals extending inwardly from said outer wall at preselected positions between the first end and the second end, said seals having aligned bores which provide a pin-receiving channel through the sleeve; c. at least one space bounded by the outer wall and two of the plurality of seals which are immediately adjacent to each other, said space adapted to receive a component having a bore, and hold the bore of the component in alignment with the pin-receiving channel; and d. a window extending from each such space through the outer wall and adapted to permit a conductive element attached to a component received within the space to extend through the outer wall.
 2. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein said outer wall and plurality of seals are integrally formed.
 3. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein the component is selected from a group consisting of a strain relief, a connector block and an electrical contact.
 4. The sleeve of claim 3 wherein the electrical contact is a spring contact ring.
 5. The sleeve of claim 3 wherein the connector block is a set screw block.
 6. The sleeve of claim 1 comprising a plurality of spaces and windows.
 7. The sleeve of claim 6 wherein the spaces are adapted to hold components at predetermined locations between the first end and the second end of the sleeve.
 8. The sleeve of claim 6 wherein at least two of the plurality of spaces are adapted to receive an electrical contact and the seals are arranged such that the seals isolate the electrical contacts from each other.
 9. The sleeve of claim 1 wherein the sleeve is made from a material selected from a group consisting of poly-ether-ether-ketone, Poly Di-methyl Siloxane, an epoxy material, polysulfone, polyurethane, polyphenylene, polyimides, polycarbonate, polyamide, ABS and COC.
 10. For use in construction of a header for an implantable pulse generator, an assembly having a plurality of sleeves each comprising: a. an outer wall having a first end and a second end; b. a plurality of seals extending inwardly from and integrally formed with said outer wall, said seals having an aligned bores which provide a pin-receiving channel through the sleeve; c. at least one space bounded by the outer wall and two of the plurality seals which are immediately adjacent to each other, said space adapted to receive a component having a bore, and hold the bore of the component in alignment with the pin-receiving channel; and d. a window extending from each such space through the outer wall and adapted to permit a component to be inserted through the window into the space and to permit a conductive element attached to a component so inserted to extend from the component through the window and out of the sleeve.
 11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the components the spaces of the sleeves are adapted to receive are selected from a group consisting of a strain relief, a connector block and an electrical contact.
 12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the electrical contact is a spring contact ring.
 13. The assembly of claim 11 wherein the connector block is a set screw block.
 14. The assembly of claim 10 wherein electrical contacts are received in the spaces of at least two of the plurality of sleeves.
 15. The assembly of claim 10 wherein said plurality of sleeves are aligned to form an extended pin-receiving channel.
 16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the seals are dimensioned to maintain preselected distances between the spaces of the sleeves forming the extended pin-receiving channel.
 17. The assembly of claim 10 wherein a first seal of each of the plurality of sleeves has an outer surface comprising at least one projection and a second seal of each of the plurality of sleeves has an outer surface comprising at least one recess, and wherein the recesses are adapted to receive the projections to enable the plurality of sleeves to be joined together in a chain with the bores of the seals of the plurality of sleeves aligned to form an extended pin-receiving channel.
 18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the seals are dimensioned to maintain preselected distances between the spaces of the sleeves forming the extended pin-receiving channel.
 19. The assembly of claim 10 wherein spaces of at least two of said plurality of sleeves are adapted to receive electrical contacts and the sleeves electrically isolate the electrical contacts from each other.
 20. For use in construction of a header for an implantable pulse generator, an assembly having a plurality of sleeves comprising a first set of sleeves forming a first pin receiving channel and a plurality of sleeves comprising a second set of sleeves forming a second pin receiving channel, each of the sleeves of the first and second set of sleeves comprising: a. an outer wall having a first end and a second end; b. a plurality of seals extending inwardly from the outer wall at preselected positions between the first end and second end, said seals integrally formed with said outer wall, said seals having aligned bores which provide a pin-receiving channel through the sleeve; c. at least one space bounded by the outer wall and two of the plurality of seals which are immediately adjacent to each other, said space adapted to receive a component having a bore and hold the bore of the component in alignment with the pin-receiving channel; and d. a window extending from each such space through the outer wall and adapted to permit a component to be inserted through the window into the space and to permit a conductive element attached to a component so inserted to extend from the component through the window and out the sleeve; wherein, the spaces of the sleeves forming the first pin-receiving channel are predetermined distances apart and the spaces of the sleeves forming the second pin-receiving channel are also predetermined distances apart. 